AMES, Ia. – I don’t remember which assistant coach said it, but whomever it was predicted something about Iowa State football that’s been proven true.

The coach said that if Cyclones playmakers make plays, then this could be an extra special season.

After seven games, there’s been significantly more big plays than at a comparable time a season ago. After seven games, 25th-ranked Iowa State is within a victory against fourth-ranked TCU of sharing first place in the Big 12 Conference.

The coach was right -– big things happen when playmakers make big plays. And the Cyclones are enjoying an extra special season.

Iowa State enters the 2:30 p.m. game at Jack Trice Stadium having made 25 plays of 25 yards or longer. Last season’s seven-game total was 17 heading into Game No 8 – against Kansas State.

Seventeen of Iowa’s 25 longest plays have been passes from three different quarterbacks – Kyle Kempt, Jacob Park and Zeb Noland.

Four of the Cyclones’ long plays have been rushes, mostly from David Montgomery, and the other four long plays have been returns – either from interceptions, punts or kickoffs.

“The biggest thing is knowing what our players are, and who our players are,” Campbell said. “And then, as we’re dissecting the opponent, how do we put these kids in the best position to make plays and give us chances to be successful?”

Iowa State's Kyle Kempt (17) runs to the goalline against Texas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Officials ruled that Kempt stepped out of bounds on the play, but replays appeared to show him in bounds en route to the end zone.
Brad Tollefson/AP

Iowa State's Marchie Murdock (16) runs the ball down the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.
Brad Tollefson/AP

Iowa State's Kyle Kempt (17) passes the ball against Texas Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.
Brad Tollefson/AP

Texas Tech defensive back Vaughnte Dorsey interferes with Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler in the second quarter giving Iowa a first down during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.
Mark Rogers/AP

Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) looks to the sidelines for a play in the game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Michael C. Johnson, Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

"It's like a basketball team," TCU coach Gary Patterson said on the Big 12 teleconference Monday. "They do a great job of creating space, because of their size and what they do."

Distance running

Montgomery, the Big 12’s second-leading rusher, is on pace for 1,000 yards. The sophomore has three of Iowa State’s four rushes that have covered at least 25 yards. He averages 91.7 rushing yards a game, and his eight touchdowns is the most among the conference’s top 10 rushers.

“It’s never been a one-man show, and it never will be a one-man show,” Montgomery said after last Saturday’s win at Texas Tech.

The powerful Montgomery had a 58-yard rush last Saturday, the team’s second-longest play from scrimmage this season.

“It’s just everybody playing their role,” Montgomery said. “Things happen when everyone does what they’re supposed to do.”

Four of Iowa State’s 25-yard plays have been returns; the longest so far was when Ryen hauled a Kansas punt 68 yards into the end zone.

Iowa State running back David Montgomery leaps into the end zone to give the Cyclones a 24-0 lead at halftime over Kansas at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017.(Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)

Translating to Saturday

The Horned Frogs defense has been the best among Big 12 teams. They allow the fewest points (14.9) in conference games, the fewest yards (291.3), the fewest rushing yards (80.7), and fewest passing yards (210.6).

“They’re not giving you much,” Campbell said. “They’re just so skilled from top to bottom.”

Check this out:

TCU has allowed just five touchdowns on 16 red zone possessions. Over the past two games (against Kansas and Kansas State), opponents have missed on 26 of their 30 third down opportunities. The Frogs leads the Big 12 with 19 sacks – from an eye-popping nine players.

“It’s hard to create matchups against a team like that,” Campbell said. “You have to make plays when they’re out there – and that’s easier said than done.”

Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson has been with the Register for parts of five decades. Randy writes opinion and analysis of Iowa State football and basketball. You can reach Randy at rpeterson@dmreg.com or on Twitter at @RandyPete.

The longest plays

Iowa State has 25 plays of 25 yards or longer after seven games. The total after seven games in 2016 was just 17.